falsifiability

[/ˌfɔːlsɪfaɪəˈbɪləti/]
nounfemininepl: falsifiabilities
falsificabilidade
1. The quality or condition of being capable of being proven false or refuted through empirical evidence or logical contradiction
The falsifiability of a scientific hypothesis is essential for the scientific method.
A falsificabilidade de uma hipótese científica é essencial para o método científico.
2. In philosophy of science, the criterion that a statement must be capable of being contradicted by observations or experiments to be considered scientific
Karl Popper argued that falsifiability is the defining characteristic of scientific theories.
Karl Popper argumentou que a falsificabilidade é a característica definidora das teorias científicas.
3. The logical possibility that a claim or theory could be demonstrated to be false
Without falsifiability, a claim cannot be evaluated scientifically.
Sem falsificabilidade, uma afirmação não pode ser avaliada cientificamente.
Falsifiability is a cornerstone concept in Western scientific philosophy, particularly prominent after Karl Popper's work in the 20th century. In both Brazilian and American academic contexts, this term is crucial in discussions about what constitutes 'good science' versus pseudoscience. The concept gained cultural significance in debates about teaching evolution versus intelligent design in schools, where proponents of evolution cite falsifiability as a defining feature of science.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
refutabilitydisprovabilitytestability
Antonyms / Antônimos
unfalsifiabilityirrefutabilityinfallibility

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
falsificabilidade
Standard academic and scientific usage
Portugal
falsificabilidade
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; commonly used in academic contexts
USA
falsifiability
Key concept in English-language philosophy of science and scientific discourse

Related Words

falsifiablefalsifyverificationempiricismscientific methodhypothesis

Related Idioms & Phrases

to test for falsifiability
principle of falsifiability
criterion of falsifiability
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